By Safia Abdulrahman
A Neurosurgeon at Adamawa Teaching Hospital (ATH) has called on the Federal Government to address challenges in the health sector to stem the growing migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria.
The specialist made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, warning that the migration trend was depleting the nation’s healthcare workforce.
He said poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, lack of modern medical equipment and insecurity had continued to push healthcare professionals to seek better opportunities outside the country.
“When skilled health professionals ‘Japa’ or leave the country, it weakens the nation’s healthcare system and places additional pressure on the few workers available,” he said.
According to him, many hospitals across the country are struggling with manpower shortages, resulting in overworked personnel, reduced quality of care and longer waiting times for patients.
“The government must take deliberate steps to improve welfare packages, provide modern medical facilities, and create a conducive working environment for healthcare workers if it truly wants to curb the Japa syndrome,” he said.
The neurosurgeon emphasised the need for increased investment in the health sector, continuous training for medical personnel and policies that encouraged professionals to remain and build careers in Nigeria.
He warned that failure to take urgent action could expose the country to a serious healthcare crisis due to the continued loss of experienced professionals to foreign countries.
“Nigerian healthcare workers are relocating abroad in search of better pay and improved working conditions,” he said.
According to him, Nigerian healthcare professionals are among the best globally, but many continue to leave because they seek improved welfare packages and better opportunities.
“This is so because the gap between what they need to do their jobs well and what the system currently offers has become too wide. It’s often called the ‘Japa’ phenomenon, and it affects healthcare professionals,” he said.
He urged government to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure by equipping hospitals with modern medical facilities, adequate drug supplies and functional equipment needed for quality service delivery.
“Many healthcare professionals leave because they are unable to effectively carry out their duties due to poor facilities,” he said.
The expert also called for the recruitment of more trained healthcare workers to reduce workload pressures and improve service delivery across health facilities nationwide.
He advocated prompt payment of salaries, safer working conditions and more conducive work environments to improve job satisfaction and retain skilled professionals within the country.
“Regular training and career development opportunities should also be provided to help medical professionals improve their skills and grow in their careers without needing to relocate abroad,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru